The trees transplanted from Jaime I are now in their new location in El Moralet and Foietes Park

Work on the future underground parking garage on Jaime I Avenue continues to progress according to plan after the pruning and removal of the 31 Melia azedarach trees that were to be affected by the construction of the parking and their relocation to other areas. Similarly, soil testing, preparatory work, and the rerouting of some roads are also underway before the final construction schedule is established, which will be finalised in a few days.

According to the councillors for Urban Scene and Parks and Gardens, Francis Muñoz and José Ramón González de Zárate, the trees that were removed from the avenue have already been replanted. Specifically, they have been planted at the entrance to El Moralet Park next to the Hermanos Martínez Munuera soccer fields, in Foietes Park, and in Festa Espai next to Vicente Pérez Devesa sports pavilion. Furthermore, all the replanted trees, as well as those yet to be replanted, have received a healing treatment to prevent infection.

“According to the responsible technicians, everything indicates that all the trees will survive,” revealed González de Zárate, who visited the site accompanied by the head of Public Space. “Replanting these trees allows us to create future areas of natural shade in places where it is needed to improve the experience of park users,” he noted.

Meanwhile, on Jaime I Avenue, those in charge of the project continue to carry out soil tests and undertake the necessary rerouting of some roads and utilities,” explained Francis Muñoz. The councilor also announced that in approximately one week, “the roundabout being built at the intersection with Limones Street will be open to traffic.” Although this is a roundabout that will be permanent once the project is completed, “what we will do now is create it temporarily with Jersey barriers so that vehicles and traffic can gradually adapt to the new situation.”

The Jaime I underground parking garage will have capacity for more than 400 vehicles and a construction period of 15 months. Muñoz emphasised that “we are trying to minimise the impact of the construction on businesses, residents, the public road, pedestrian traffic, and roadways.” The infrastructure will cover the section of Jaime I that runs from Nicaragua Avenue to the intersection with Ricardo Bayona and Los Limones, with a length of approximately 350 meters.

As previously reported, the construction of two roundabouts on the avenue is planned to facilitate access without slowing down or stopping traffic. The first roundabout, as mentioned, will be located at the intersection of Ricardo Bayona Street and Los Limones Street, and the second, next to Marqués de Comillas Street.

Finally, the head of Public Space reiterated that “political leaders and municipal technicians will be closely monitoring the progress of the work and ensuring that every one of the conditions set by the City Council is met to minimise disruption to residents and businesses and the impact on the surrounding area.”